What’s in Bloom: June 29-July6

In the Entry Garden:

Monarda ‘Aquarius’ (Bee Balm) with Geranium psilostemon (Armenian cranesbill); this bergamot has bright pink flowers known for their unique shape, atop 30-inch erect stem and, prefers moist soil. It is shown here with the vibrant pink of the Armenian cranesbill.

In the Garden Hall Courtyard:

Eryngium giganteum (Mrs. Willmott’s Ghost/Giant Sea Holly); this species produces very large silvery-grey spiny flower heads with a greenish cone centre; drought tolerant once established, it is a self-seeding biennial

In the Nature Garden:

Echincacea pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower); this striking species has pinkish-rose ray flowers, extending from a purplish-red disc; prefers full sun, will adapt to a range of soil conditions but must have good drainage

In the Nature Garden:

Gaillardia aristata (Blanket Flower); this native wildflower is popular for its long bloom season, producing daisy-like yellow flowers with burnt orange markings – good for cutting.

In the Water Garden-East:

Delphinium elatum ‘Sunny Skies’ (New Millenium Delphinium); this English hybrid delphinium outperforms all other tall types in rich shades from pale to sky blue, with a white bee

In the Terrace Garden:

Opuntia humifusa ‘Lemon Spreader’ (Prickly Pear Cactus); this vigorous, low-growing, spreading hardy cactus is smaller than the species but has the same requirements: good drainage and lots of sunshine!

AboutSandra Pella

Sandra Pella has worked as Head Gardener of the Toronto Botanical Garden since 2008. She holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario, and upon graduation worked in the financial sector until the pull of plants was too much to resist, whereupon she found herself at Janet Anderson Perennials (formerly JEA Perennials) as a horticultural technician. She has been the Perennial Manager at Summerhill Nursery & Floral followed by the Assistant Horticulturist at the TBG prior to its renovation. Sandra worked as a Gardener for two seasons with the City of Toronto as well as seasonal Gardener for the TBG prior to being named Head Gardener. She is self-taught in the field and thus greatly appreciated the experience a gardening internship in 2009 at Great Dixter in the UK brought to her. Sandra has a regular What’s In Bloom blog and is one of the spokespeople for the TBG.